Just for Fun!

• Isaac Asimov is the only author to have a book in every Dewey-decimal category.
• It takes a lobster approximately seven years to grow to be one pound.
• It takes about a half a gallon of water to cook macaroni, and about a gallon to clean the pot.
• It was discovered on a space mission that a frog can throw up. The frog throws up its stomach first, so the stomach is dangling out of its mouth. Then the frog uses its forearms to dig out all of the stomach's contents and then swallows the stomach back down again.
• It was once against the law to have a pet dog in a city in Iceland.
• It was once against the law to slam your car door in a city in Switzerland.
• It's against the law to burp, or sneeze in a certain church in Omaha, Nebraska.
• It's against the law to catch fish with your bare hands in Kansas.
• It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open. (Don't try this at home!)
• Ivory bar soap floating was a mistake. They had been overmixing the soap formula causing excess air bubbles that made it float. Customers wrote and told how much they loved that it floated, and it has floated ever since.

Just for Fun!

• In Bangladesh, kids as young as 15 can be jailed for cheating on their finals.
• In England, in the 1880's, "Pants" were considered a dirty word.
• In England, the Speaker of the House is not allowed to speak.
• In every episode of "Seinfeld" there is a Superman somewhere.
• In Kentucky, 50 percent of the people who get married for the first time are teenagers.
• In Los Angeles, there are fewer people than there are automobiles.
• In most advertisements, including newspapers, the time displayed on a watch is 10:10.
• In space, astronauts cannot cry, because there is no gravity, so the tears can't flow.
• In the 1940s, the FCC assigned television's Channel 1 to mobile services (two-way radios in taxicabs, for instance) but did not re-number the other channel assignments. That is why your TV set has channels 2 and up, but no channel 1.
• In the great fire of London in 1666 half of London was burnt down but only 6 people were injured.
• In the last 4000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.
• In the movie "Casablanca," Humphrey Bogart never said "Play it again, Sam."
• In the White House, there are 13,092 knives, forks and spoons.
• In Tokyo, they sell toupees for dogs.

Although many people talk about hearing loss in terms of percentage, it is not an appropriate or meaningful measure of hearing loss.

Hearing is tested across many different frequencies or pitches, from low-pitched sounds like thunder all the way up to high pitches, like a whistle.  It is very common to have more hearing loss at some frequencies than for others. Therefore, even if it were it possible to quantify hearing loss by percentage, for some people the percentage of hearing loss would be different at each test frequency, making it virtually meaningless when describing the overall hearing loss.

Hearing loss is not measured in percentages, except in specific legal situations where decibels of hearing loss are converted via a recognized legal formula to create a "percentage of hearing loss" for legal purposes only.

The generally recognized categories of hearing loss are as follows:

Degree of Hearing loss Audiometric Thresholds
:: Normal hearing: 0 to 2 dB HL
:: Mild hearing loss 21 to 40 dB HL
:: Moderate hearing loss 41 to 60 dB HL
:: Severe hearing loss 61 to 90 dB HL
:: Profound hearing loss greater than 91 dB HL

Note that the term "audiometric threshold" refers to the lowest sound level that a person is able to hear at a specific frequency.  The higher the threshold, the worse that person's hearing is.

It is important to realize that the degree of hearing loss does not necessarily reflect the impact the hearing loss has on someone’s life. A mild hearing loss can be significantly handicapping for some people, while a moderate hearing loss may not have a great impact on someone else. An individual's lifestyle, support system, and feelings about the hearing loss strongly affect its impact, even more so than the clinical diagnosis.

Just for Fun!

• "I am." is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.
• If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
• If NASA sent birds into space they would soon die; they need gravity to swallow.
• If you bring a raccoon's head to the Henniker, New Hampshire town hall, you are entitled to receive $.10 from the town.
• If you have three quarters, four dimes, and four pennies, you have $1.19. You also have the largest amount of money in coins without being able to make change for a dollar.
• If you toss a penny 10,000 times, it will not be heads 5,000 times, but more like 4,950. The heads picture weighs more, so it ends up on the bottom.
• If your eyes are six feet above the surface of the ocean, the horizon will be about three statute miles away.
• In 1980, a Las Vegas hospital suspended workers for betting on when patients would die.
• In 1980, there was only one country in the world with no telephones - Bhutan.
• In 1983, a Japanese artist made a copy of the Mona Lisa completely out of toast.
• In 1984, a Canadian farmer began renting ad space on his cows.
• In 75% of American households, women manage the money and pay the bills.

Assistive Listening Devices: Solutions for Common Communication Obstacles

Have you ever had difficulty hearing or understanding:

• in meetings?
• in places of worship?
• in theaters or movies?
• in restaurants?
• with shopping transactions like at a pharmacy or bank?
• in public places such as airports or in municipal buildings?

In those situations, an assistive listening device can help.

What is an Assistive Listening Device?
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) expand the functionality of hearing aids and cochlear implants by helping you separate the sounds you want to hear from background noise, and by enabling you to hear when the speaker is more than a few feet away.

The speaker talks into a microphone and the speech is sent straight to your ear, this avoiding the degrading effects of noise and distance on speech intelligibility. It's really that simple.

An ALD consists of a microphone to collect sounds, a transmitter to send the signal across a distance, a receiver to intercept the signal and any one of several different listening attachments to send the sound from the receiver to the user's ear, hearing aid or cochlear implant.

When hearing aids or cochlear implants aren't enough
Hearing aids and cochlear implants can work wonders to improve speech understanding. Still, there are some situations that may be problematic such as listening in groups, hearing in noisy backgrounds, hearing a speaker who is more than a few feet away, and hearing in poor acoustical environments. In these situations, turning up the volume can result in turning up the background noise that you don't want to hear.

What can I do to hear better in noise?
One of the simplest ways is to use a personal amplifier.  It is a single unit with jacks for a microphone and a listening attachment, and a volume control.  These can come in handy when you are close to the speaker to cut out background noise, such as in the car or a restaurant.

There are also ways to hear better when the speaker is more than a few feet away.  FM, infrared, and induction or hearing loop systems use radio waves, light waves, or magnetic fields respectively to transmit the sound you want to hear from a speaker some distance from your receiver (for example, from a teacher at the front of a room to the student sitting in class).  You turn up the volume to a comfortable level for you. Each of these systems has options for small, personal/home use or large-area amplification, like in a theater or auditorium.

Are there any options built into hearing aids?
There are options that are integrated into many behind-the-ear hearing aids and cochlear implants.  These systems come with a separate microphone that you can give to the speaker and the sound will be sent directly to your hearing aid or cochlear implant.  These are convenient but can be more expensive than purchasing separate units.

What about Bluetooth devices?
More hearing aids are equipped to allow for gateway devices that enable digital audio streaming from Bluetooth devices to the hearing aid or cochlear implant. If you enjoy Bluetooth-enabled audio devices, such as cell phones, TVs or computers, you will probably want to check this out.

Do I have to wear headphones?
Not necessarily. If you hearing aid or cochlear implant has a telecoil, you will be able to use a neckloop plugged into the headphone jack. A telecoil (or t-coil) is a small, inexpensive copper coil found in many hearing aids and newer cochlear implant processors. The neckloop is an insulated loop of wire worn around the neck that transmits the information to the hearing aid t-coil through a magnetic field. Many people enjoy using neckloops because they can listen with both ears without wearing headphones while still enjoying the full benefit of their hearing aid amplification settings.

There is an additional benefit of telecoils.  If you are using and induction loop system, the only receiver you will need is your telecoil in your hearing aid or cochlear implant. An induction or hearing loop system gives off a magnetic field, eliminating he need for any receiver other than your telecoil.  Using a telecoil and hearing loop together is seamless, cost-effective, unobtrusive, and wireless. You don't have to obtain extra equipment.

from hearingloss.com

WARNING: ADA Urges Consumers to Seek Proper Diagnosis, Treatment and Counseling for Hearing Loss

This was received at Kenwood Hearing Center in email form, but we find it highly important for all hearing aid consumers.  Please read yourself and share with anyone having difficulty with their ears or hearing.

-----

November 11, 2011

THE ACADEMY OF DOCTORS OF AUDIOLOGY WARNS CONSUMERS AGAINST OBTAINING HEARING AIDS WITHOUT PROPER DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COUNSELING

(Lexington, Ky.)--The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) urges consumers who suspect that they have hearing loss to seek treatment from a licensed audiologist or other hearing healthcare professional to ensure the proper diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, and to identify potentially serious underlying medical conditions. Further, ADA reminds consumers that hearing aids are not always the recommended course of treatment for hearing loss.

“Even when hearing loss is detected through a comprehensive examination, hearing aids are not always a recommended course of treatment,” said ADA President Eric Hagberg, Au.D., “The purchase and use of a hearing aid without a proper examination, diagnosis and counseling is a recipe for poor treatment outcomes and increased risks.”

Key risks of omitting an evaluation and treatment by a licensed audiologist or hearing healthcare professional include the missed diagnosis of a serious underlying health condition that requires medical intervention and subsequent hearing loss as a result of improper fitting and/or programming of hearing aids.

According to the ADA, there are many possible causes of hearing loss including:

• Aging– Hair cell loss from the nerve endings in the cochlea, stiffening of the cochlear structure, or loss of nerve endings on the acoustic nerve, may be age-related causes of diminished hearing.
• Blockages in the outer ear– Almost anything can block the ear canal and cause hearing loss. Common blockages include earwax, foreign bodies, swelling from allergies or infections, injuries, and birth defects.
• Ear infections– Generally, ear infections cause swelling in the middle ear, which in turn causes a build up of fluid behind the eardrum .
• Fistula– A fistula is an abnormal opening between the middle and inner ear that causes fluid to leak from the inner ear. Symptoms include dizziness, as well as hearing loss.
• Head injury– A head injury can damage nerves in the hearing centers of the brain.
• Medication– Some medications have been identified as ototoxic and can cause hearing loss.
• Meniere’s Disease – Pressure in the inner ear may cause fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing sensation), dizziness and nausea.
• Noise– The single most common cause of hearing loss is exposure to loud noise.
• Otosclerosis– This is a hereditary disease. New bone grows around one of the small bones that transmits sound from the outer ear to the inner ear. This new growth of bone disrupts sound transmission.
• Tumors– Tumors can be benign or malignant. Depending on where the tumor is located, the resulting hearing loss may be either conductive or sensorineural.

Many of these conditions cannot be treated with a hearing aid—and several require immediate medical intervention for treatment.

United Healthcare (UHC), the largest U.S. insurer by revenue, announced on October 3, 2011, that it will provide subscribers and the general public with online hearing testing and allow the purchase/obtainment of hearing aids via the Internet through its subsidiary hi Health Innovations.

This announcement came on the same day that UHC’s parent company, United Health Group, introduced its 2012 Medicare Plans and began marketing to elderly subscribers. The announcement also ironically coincided with United Health Group’s (United Health Foundation) announcement that it would provide a $50,000 grant to the National Council on Aging (NCOA) so that NCOA can “expand outreach efforts to seniors and aging services organizations, reminding them to work with health care professionals for appropriate (hearing) screening.”

The announcement by United Healthcare to offer an online diagnostic, treatment and distribution model for hearing healthcare has prompted growing concerns within the health community.

“This undermines every good practice with regard to hearing healthcare as this diagnosis and delivery model is unsound, unsafe and unreliable,” said Dr. Hagberg. “Without the proper diagnosis, counseling, hearing aid fitting and follow-up evaluations, successful treatment for hearing loss cannot be achieved.”

On October 26, 2011, the Minnesota Department of Health released a statement stressing the importance of seeing a hearing health practitioner for hearing loss and advising that failure to do so “skirts state and federal legal protections and could result in harm.” Read the full release here:http://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2011/hearing102611.html. United Healthcare, UnitedHealth Group, and hi Health Innovations are all based in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

On October 12, 2011, the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) released a press release warning consumers against “Do it Yourself Hearing Care.” Read the full release here: http://www.betterhearing.org/press/news/Internet_direct_mail_hearing_aids_pr10122011.cfm

On October 26, 2011, an attorney retained by the International Hearing Society (IHS) sent a letter to hi Health Innovations requesting that the company cease and desist selling hearing aids through its website. Read the full letter here: http://ihsinfo.org/pdf/IHS_Letter_to_HealthInnovations.pdf

On October 31, 2011, ADA and the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) sent joint letters to Lisa Tseng, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of hi Health Innovations and Rhonda Medows, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of United Health Group, expressing concerns and requesting additional information regarding the insurer’s plans for an online hearing healthcare delivery system. Read the letters here:
http://www.audiologist.org/_resources/documents/UHC%20letter%20Oct%2011%20Tseng.pdf
http://www.audiologist.org/_resources/documents/UHC%20letter%20Oct%2011%20Medows.pdf

Intricon Corporation, headquartered in Arden Hills, Minnesota, has been contracted to manufacture the hearing aids sold by hi Health Innovations, whose parent company is UnitedHealth Group. This goes against the common practice within the hearing aid manufacturing community. In fact, most hearing aid manufacturers have made public statements that they will not allow their hearing aids to be sold online.

 “Thankfully most hearing aid manufacturers will not allow their hearing aids to be sold or purchased without a face-to-face consultation with a licensed practitioner, because they too recognize the inherent risks associated with the purchase and use of hearing aids without the proper counseling and fitting that only a licensed hearing healthcare professional can provide.”

Hearing aids are medical devices regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must be recommended, sold and fit by qualified health professionals.  http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?FR=801.420

Further, all 50 states require licensure for the dispensing of hearing aids. http://www.audiologist.org/resources/state-licensure.html

The ADA urges consumers to seek proper diagnosis, treatment and counseling for suspected hearing loss.  To find a licensed ADA member in your area, visit http://www.audiologist.org/audiologist-directory.html.

Other Useful Resources

• Consumer Reports Hearing Aid Checklist: http://www.consumerreports.org/health/healthy-living/home-medical-supplies/hearing/hearing-aids/buying-tips-a-checklist/hearing-aids-before-you-buy.htm
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD):http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/hearingaid.aspx
• Better Hearing Institute (BHI): http://www.betterhearing.org/
• Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Position Statement on Hearing Aids for People with Hearing Loss: http://hlaaleaderswiki.wikispaces.com/file/view/Position+Statement+on+Hearing+Aids+for+People+with+Hearing+Loss.pdf

 
About ADA
The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) is a leading national organization of practicing audiologists. ADA is dedicated to the advancement of practitioner excellence, high ethical standards, professional autonomy and sound business practices in the provision of quality audiologic care. For more information, visit http://www.audiologist.org/.

Just for FUN!

Hang On Sloopy is the official rock song of Ohio.

Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt.

Honeybees have hair on their eyes.

Human teeth are almost as hard as rocks.

Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.

Hydroxydesoxycorticosterone and hydroxydeoxycorticosterones are the largest anagrams.

Hypnotism is banned by public schools in San Diego. 

Jury Duty...with hearing loss?

Do you have hearing loss?

What are you going to do if you are called to serve on a jury?


Do you know what accommodations you need in order to serve effectively?


Are you going to request accommodations and take the time to educate the court administrator and/or judge about what you need so that you can serve?


The law requires courts to provide effective communication access for people with hearing loss.

Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and as amended in 2008, people with disabilities have a right to effective communication.  In the United Stated Department of Justice (DOJ) Technical Assistance Manual for the ADA it says:

"The ADA provides for equality of opportunity...The foundation of many of the specific requirements in the Department's regulations is the principle that individual with disabilities must be provided an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from a public entity's aids, benefits, and services."

DOJ goes on to note that courts proceedings are one area where care must be taken to provide effective communications:

Because of the importance of effective communication in state and local court proceedings, special attention must be given to the communication  needs of individuals with disabilities involved in such proceedings.  For individuals with hearing impairments who do not use sign language, other types of auxiliary aids or services, such as assistive listening devices or computer-assisted transcription services, which allow virtually instantaneous transcripts of courtroom argument and testimony to appear on displays, may be required.

Under the Title II, cost is not a factor in considering whether to provide effective communication. the benefit of providing ways for people with disabilities to participate far outweighs the cost of an individual accommodation.  People with mobility disabilities often use ramps to ensure access to the courtroom. CART, assistive devices, oral interpreters are ramps for people with loss. We should not hesitate to support building the kind of ramps that allow people with disabilities to participate in all aspects of society.

In the end, each individual must decide whether what you need to hear will work for you in the courtroom.  But the law is on your side, including your right to accommodations in the courtroom.

TIPS for Serving on a Jury:

• Notify the court administrator about your hearing loss immediately after you get your summons.
• Be clear and specific about any accommodations you need:
• Assistive listening system with neckloop, headset or earbuds.
• CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation)
• Interpreter (oral or sign language)
• A combination of the accommodations listed abover - or any other accommodations needed
• Request that instructional videos provided for jurors be captioned.
• Offer to meet with the court administrator to discuss what accommodations you need and what the court has to offer.
• Consider visiting the court before the jury date to have a better understanding of the courtroom acoustics and lighting.

Information from Hearing Loss Magazine. Written by Lisa Hamlin - director of public policy at the Hearing Loss Association of America.  She can be reached at lhamlin@hearingloss.org.

Just for FUN!

Facetious and abstemious contain all the vowels in the correct order, as does arsenious, meaning "containing arsenic."

February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.

Fingernails grow nearly 4 times faster than toenails.

Fortune cookies were actually invented in America, in 1918, by Charles Jung.

Gilligan of Gilligan's Island had a first name that was only used once, on the never-aired pilot show. His first name was Willy. The skipper's real name on Gilligan's Island is Jonas Grumby. It was mentioned once in the first episode on their radio's newscast about the wreck.

Giraffes have no vocal cords.